‘Prime time’ lustre lost in early start, Vanney says

Toronto FC will be in farmer mode for this Sunday’s MLS Cup final.

That is, early to bed and early to rise. At least, much earlier than usual for a match.

Major League Soccer has scheduled the championship final between TFC and the Seattle Sounders for this Sunday at CenturyLink Field at 3 p.m. Eastern time, which means locally in Seattle the two sides will be kicking off at noon.

“I think it’s an early start and it kind of loses it’s prime time sort of feel,” said TFC head coach Greg Vanney.

“But at the same time, I understand that between television and everything else, they really determine when things start. So, we do what we have to do.”

The head coach said a noon start does present some unique challenges.

“Everything comes fast, which is in some ways, maybe, isn’t the worst thing. You’re not waiting it out all day,” Vanney said.

“And by the time you wake up, you do your routine and (have your) pre-game meal, you’re already on the bus, you’re at the stadium before you know it, and the game is on. Everything is really kind of in fast-forward.

“In terms of meetings, or anything that you might spread out over the course of the day, everything is just put into hyper-speed.

“In terms of the guys, in general, I think most of the teams, ours included, we’re used to training at 11 (a.m.), so it’s kind of a normal training time,” Vanney said. “But what always makes the game day special is that you play in the evening, you play under the lights ... and that’s what always makes game day feel different than training day.”